A landmark healthcare merger is inches away from the finish line. CVS has gained the US government's approval to buy Aetna. The $69 billion acquisition, announced in December 2017, will drastically remap the healthcare industry. CVS is a massive drugstore chain and prescription insurer, and Aetna is one of the nation's largest health insurers. It is the largest health insurance deal in history, far exceeding Express Scripts' $29 billion acquisition of Medco in 2012, the last record-holder. To gain the Trump administration's approval, Aetna agreed to spin off its Medicare Part D prescription drug business. The Justice Department settled with CVS and Aetna on Wednesday. Pending a judge's approval of the settlement, the deal will be completed.